Thunder Player Grades: Reserves inspired effort vaults OKC into 5th

11 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 block, 4 turnovers.

Plus / Minus Differential: minus -7

Field Goals: 4 of 16, Three pointers: 1 of 8, Free Throws: 2 of 2

Interestingly, Mark Jackson said Paul George was the leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. I wonder if the former point guard would’ve been as keen about Andre Roberson’s candidacy. If Jackson was checking the stats he would know George has not been as effective without Roberson (nor have the Thunder for that matter). I’m torn on this narrative, because while I know George is capable of being a lockdown defender, I’ve also seen him mishandle coverages in games the Thunder needed to win and didn’t.

An obvious early takeaway was George was tentative – fighting himself. This because he’s trying to get past his recent shooting slump. He broke out of this tentativeness at 1:30 of the first quarter when he used a change of pace move to shed Danny Green and make an easy bucket.

The team kept feeding Paul George throughout the game and it became clear they were trying to help him shake out of his shooting slump. Hey when Carmelo Anthony is passing up a wide open look (1:33 of 2Q) to pass to George instead it’s clear this is a real thing.

To put into perspective how real the struggle is Corey Brewer scored more than George did and did it on half the shot attempts. Even his defense was suspect tonight, although his rebounds were welcome.

One notable which bothered me – when Nick Collison came into the game and delivered, every bench player (including Melo) stood and applauded — except Paul George. He sat looking despondent with the Thunder leading by 20 points at that moment. I’m hoping it’s not a harbinger of things to come, but nonetheless it was disconcerting.

Let’s just hope he finds his way soon because there isn’t time for pouting with the stretch in full effect.